Sources say Vertex closing its Wilmington plant

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington factory that opened just four years ago could be closing its doors, leaving its employees looking for work while many in the Cape Fear are still struggling following hurricane Florence.

WWAY got a tip on Tuesday that Vertex Railcar could be shutting down. We have been working to find out more ever since.

Earlier Friday, we spoke to an employee on his way into work.

He says he heard rumors as far back as two weeks ago that the company could be shutting down and he says this week he was told they would definitely be shutting down in the next ten weeks.

WWAY has reached out to Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, who says he has not received a WARN Act from the company, which helps protect workers who are being laid off.

We reached out to the North Carolina Department of Commerce to find out if Vertex employs enough people to require a WARN Act, but have not yet heard back.

We also reached out to Vertex for confirmation but have not heard back. We will bring you the latest on this tonight on WWAY news.